In recent years, a number of alleged cases pertaining to conflict of interest involving certain EU Agencies have been reported in the press and have raised concerns within the European Parliament. In 2011 the European Parliament requested the Court to “undertake a comprehensive analysis of the agencies’ approach to the management of situations where there are potential conflicts of interest”.

European Court of Auditors (ECA) special reports are published throughout the year, presenting the results of selected audits of specific EU budgetary areas or management topics. This special report 15/2012 “Management of conflict of interest in selected EU Agencies” assessed and evaluated policies and procedures for the management of conflict of interest situations for four selected Agencies making vital decisions affecting the safety and health of consumers.

The main conclusions and recommendations of the report will be presented to the press by Mr Igors Ludboržs, Member of the Court.

A PRESS KIT, consisting of the Special Report and a press release, will be made available for the press conference. The Special Report will be published on the Court's website, www.eca.europa.eu,in 22 official languages.